At 10 PM on 23/9, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the super typhoon was located approximately 550 km east of the Leizhou Peninsula (China), with maximum sustained winds of 201 km/h, category 15-16, and gusts exceeding category 17. It was moving west-northwest at approximately 20 km/h.

The typhoon has begun to weaken due to the influence of a continental high-pressure system, terrain friction, and other unfavorable meteorological conditions. By 10 PM tomorrow, it is projected to be off the eastern coast of the Leizhou Peninsula (China), about 300 km east of Mong Cai (Quang Ninh), with maximum sustained winds of category 12-13 and gusts of 16.

Projected path and area of influence of Typhoon Ragasa at 10 PM on 23/9. Photo: *Disaster Monitoring System*

By 10 PM on 25/9, the typhoon is expected to reach the coast between Quang Ninh and Hai Phong, with maximum sustained winds of 8-9 and gusts of 11. Ragasa will then move further inland, weakening into a tropical depression and then a low-pressure area in the Northwest region.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that on 24/9 the typhoon will approach the Leizhou Peninsula with winds of 162 km/h before entering the Gulf of Tonkin. The Hong Kong Observatory predicts the typhoon will move further north of Leizhou Peninsula before entering the Gulf of Tonkin, making landfall in Quang Ninh province on 25/9.

Due to the typhoon, the northern South China Sea is experiencing strong winds of categories 10-13, increasing to 14-16 near the typhoon's center with gusts above 17 and waves exceeding 10 m. From 24/9, the eastern part of the northern Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vy island) will experience increasing winds of 6-7, with gusts reaching 9.

From the evening of 24/9, the northern Gulf of Tonkin (including Bach Long Vy, Van Don, Co To, Cat Hai and Hon Dau islands) will experience increasing winds of 8, with waves of 2-4 m. Near the typhoon's center, winds will reach 9-10 with gusts of 12 and waves of 3-5 m. Coastal areas of Quang Ninh province are expected to experience storm surges of 0.4-0.6 m.

Inland, from early morning on 25/9, coastal areas from Quang Ninh to Ninh Binh will experience increasing winds of 6-7, rising to 8-9 near the typhoon's center with gusts of 11. Further inland in the Northeast region, winds will reach 5, with some areas experiencing 6, and gusts of 7-8.

The typhoon will bring rain from tomorrow night until the end of 26/9. Northern Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces are expected to receive 100-250 mm of rainfall, with some areas potentially exceeding 400 mm. Heavy rain may cause flooding in low-lying areas, flash floods in small rivers and streams, and landslides on steep slopes.

Satellite image of Super Typhoon Ragasa at 10 PM on 22/9. Photo: *NCHMF*

Today, the Prime Minister issued an official dispatch requesting the Party Secretaries and People's Committee Chairpersons of provinces from Ha Tinh northwards to focus on directing response measures to the super typhoon, prioritizing the safety of the people, ensuring the safety of vessels operating at sea and near the coast, and protecting houses, warehouses, factories, offices, schools, hospitals, dyke systems, and reservoirs.

The government also requested provinces to review their plans and prepare to evacuate residents to ensure safety before the typhoon makes landfall, and to deploy rescue and relief efforts in case of emergencies.

The Prime Minister urged ministries and agencies to implement typhoon prevention measures according to their assigned tasks, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and preparedness. They should closely monitor and update the situation, implement response measures proactively, anticipate worst-case scenarios, and avoid being caught off guard.

Gia Chinh